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Highland Magic #2
Highland Shadow
He should never have kissed her...
Book 2: Unwilling
Book 3: Unwanted
Laird Connor MacLauchlan doesn't want a wife, but he finds his Berserker mate in the heat of battle. Though he fears for her safety from the darkness that lurks inside him, fate dictates he must take her and make her his...
She was meant to be his enemy's bride...Born to a Ross mother and a Stewart father, Lindsay has been sold to the highest bidder. On her way to meet her vile betrothed, a savage and mythic warrior slaughters her entire vanguard. Now she's his captive and he seems determined to claim her body for his own. Connor promises to keep her safe from the evil warlord she was to marry, but who will protect her from him?
Join Clan MacLauchlan Berserkers as they each find a love that will be worth defying the forces of evil and risking their souls to save our world.
"Whether she’s writing about Celtic Druids, Victorian bad boys, or brash Irish FBI Agents, Kerrigan Byrne uses her borderline-obsessive passion for history, her extensive Celtic ancestry, and her love of Shakespeare in every book."
Read Clan MacLauchlan Berserkers Series In Order
Book 1: UnspokenBook 2: Unwilling
Book 3: Unwanted
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2012
204 people are currently reading
1089 people want to read
About the author
Kerrigan Byrne
72 books5,032 followersIf you're anything like me, the best night is one spent with a brawny highlander, a mysterious werewolf, a conflicted vampire, or a hot-headed Irishman. My stories span the spectrum of romantic fiction from historical, to paranormal, to romantic suspense. But I can always promise my readers one thing: memorable and sexy Celtic heroes who are guaranteed to heat your blood before they steal your heart. Lose yourself in the enchanted Celtic Isles, you never know who, or what, will find you...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
December 15, 2019
3 TENTATIVE STARS
Lindsay Ross, the niece of the Prince Regent, has been promised to the traitor and vicious brute Angus McKay, bartered for land, and she is not happy about it, but she has no choice but to go to him. Luckily, while travelling to her betrothed, her McKay guards are attacked by highland Berserker Connor MacLaughlan (brother of the hero from novella 1), and so the fun begins, as both get something neither expected.
A short, fairly entertaining one time read.
Acquired via KU.
Lindsay Ross, the niece of the Prince Regent, has been promised to the traitor and vicious brute Angus McKay, bartered for land, and she is not happy about it, but she has no choice but to go to him. Luckily, while travelling to her betrothed, her McKay guards are attacked by highland Berserker Connor MacLaughlan (brother of the hero from novella 1), and so the fun begins, as both get something neither expected.
A short, fairly entertaining one time read.
Acquired via KU.
March 10, 2016
3.5 rounded to 4.
As I said on my previous review for Unspoken: you do not have to trust me, just trust Kerrigan Byrne.
This is flash fiction because you can read it in a flash
a quick read, short story, novella. That being said do not expect something ocean deep. Do not expect that the feelings will be nurtured and strenghten by earth, wind, and fire. This is my third read of the author's pnr genre and this time she did not immediately stick to the you-are-my-mate-so-i-love-you that is omnipresent in paranomans (it is really pnr but I like the word Paranorman - have you watched that movie?). What made this different? there is some resistance from the characters: beast likes her, human don't.
So why give 3.5? A petty thing about this that distracts me yet again (as I stated before in my review of Unwanted) is the cover. and look at that manboobs! It is bigger than mine!
But I love you Robbie Amell. (dear self, it is not others fault you have teeeny tiny nonexistent boobs) Well, the cover is not theREAL reason.
It is the relationship of the 'beast' and Lindsay. Because on some parts Lindsay favors the beast more than Connor, that she is more at ease with the beast . In paranorman world sometimes I find myself at odds with supernatural transformations (but not withPSY CHANGELING series, that one is brilliant with transformations) especially if it shows that the beast is different from the man, like there are two beings inside a person. It makes me ask :
ok so you love the beast so you will just accept the man too?
or
you love the beast so you will coax it to always show 90% of the time leaving the man somewhere inside? Isn't that considered cheating?
In this book (most of the books) when Connor goes into beast mode or berserkerage, 'Connor' will be like a spectator seeing his body do things, he is there but not really there (TELL ME I AM MAKING SENSE! See Beauty and the Beast? The beast is still the prince only more hairy and beastly) So is Lindsay in love with Connor? or the BeastConnor? I'm afraid, this book being a short story does not convinced me that it is Connor the man that Lindsay is in love with.
As always I am sticking in author-characters-song outline for the reviews so for the song I googled and chose Man or Beast by KVKA
Tell me what you see, is it a man or a beast
Tell me is it wolf or a sheep
Tell me what you see in me
Cos i ain't finna
Go to the dark side of the moon..tonight
Tonight cos i ain't be finna be a animal in.. your sight
Annnnd for some weird reason, I can hear Hugh Jackman singing Who am I while I was writing this review. Like Who am I? The man or beast?
3.5 rounded to 4. BTW I love the titles of the author. Always on point.
As I said on my previous review for Unspoken: you do not have to trust me, just trust Kerrigan Byrne.
This is flash fiction because you can read it in a flash
a quick read, short story, novella. That being said do not expect something ocean deep. Do not expect that the feelings will be nurtured and strenghten by earth, wind, and fire. This is my third read of the author's pnr genre and this time she did not immediately stick to the you-are-my-mate-so-i-love-you that is omnipresent in paranomans (it is really pnr but I like the word Paranorman - have you watched that movie?). What made this different? there is some resistance from the characters: beast likes her, human don't.
So why give 3.5? A petty thing about this that distracts me yet again (as I stated before in my review of Unwanted) is the cover. and look at that manboobs! It is bigger than mine!
But I love you Robbie Amell. (dear self, it is not others fault you have teeeny tiny nonexistent boobs) Well, the cover is not the
It is the relationship of the 'beast' and Lindsay. Because on some parts Lindsay favors the beast more than Connor, that she is more at ease with the beast . In paranorman world sometimes I find myself at odds with supernatural transformations (but not with
As always I am sticking in author-characters-song outline for the reviews so for the song I googled and chose Man or Beast by KVKA
Tell me what you see, is it a man or a beast
Tell me is it wolf or a sheep
Tell me what you see in me
Cos i ain't finna
Go to the dark side of the moon..tonight
Tonight cos i ain't be finna be a animal in.. your sight
Annnnd for some weird reason, I can hear Hugh Jackman singing Who am I while I was writing this review. Like Who am I? The man or beast?
3.5 rounded to 4. BTW I love the titles of the author. Always on point.
February 3, 2020
The heroine was such an annoying harpy and she ruined the book for me. I need to like heroines. This heroine was determined to be unpleasant.
September 23, 2025
Oh, the sass!!!!
I loved the banter between Connor and Lindsay. Such an enjoyable read
I loved the banter between Connor and Lindsay. Such an enjoyable read
March 24, 2015
Unwilling is very different from Unspoken in a lot of ways, but still remains to be a great series. Unwilling focuses on Connor, Rodericks older brother and Laird to their clan. Connor and Roderick reside on different ends of the spectrum, where Connor is serious an harsher in manner, Roderick is relaxed and kinder.
It's finally Connors turn to find a wife, even though he's never wanted one before, hell he tries to avoid women in general. He just doesn't trust himself around them, he fears he'll end up like his father. Connor can't change fate though, he certainly can't leave Lindsay behind once he's kissed her, so he kinda kidnaps her and makes to his castle. Sadly for Connor, his mate-to-be has gotten the dirt from his sister-in-law, game on.
I really enjoyed Unwilling because even though Connor had that alpha attitude going on he never was mean or cruel to Lindsay. He struggled with his inner Berserker an gave her a wide berth. I thought the struggle between the couple made it more interesting to read, neither one wanted to just give in.
I'm going to continue on with the series, so I'd definitely recommend to fans of Historical Romances with magic an true love.
It's finally Connors turn to find a wife, even though he's never wanted one before, hell he tries to avoid women in general. He just doesn't trust himself around them, he fears he'll end up like his father. Connor can't change fate though, he certainly can't leave Lindsay behind once he's kissed her, so he kinda kidnaps her and makes to his castle. Sadly for Connor, his mate-to-be has gotten the dirt from his sister-in-law, game on.
I really enjoyed Unwilling because even though Connor had that alpha attitude going on he never was mean or cruel to Lindsay. He struggled with his inner Berserker an gave her a wide berth. I thought the struggle between the couple made it more interesting to read, neither one wanted to just give in.
I'm going to continue on with the series, so I'd definitely recommend to fans of Historical Romances with magic an true love.
October 11, 2015
Enjoyed the second installment in The MacLauchlans series. Not as much as the first, but still good. The heroine was a bit annoying and fought her feelings. The hero was a bit hard to get to know and not as likable as his brother. But overall still an enjoyable read.
Safety Gang safe
Safety Gang safe
August 15, 2024
I'm logging all the books I read in the manic episode(s) I had in the final weeks leading up to the bar so there will be no information pertaining to the content of these books. Frankly, I don't even remember what happened in them. They'll all get three stars and you'll pretend that you didn't see this.
May 12, 2013
Lindsay was promised to another when she becomes the prisoner to a ruthless Berserker killer who claimed her in the midst of a battle. She refuses to acknowledge her feelings for him, keeping to herself and keeping him at bay. But how long can she stay away from the devilish, rogue charm, and when his life is laid in her hands, what will she be willing to risk to save her captor?
----
This short story was my first introduction to the "men in kilts" genre that seems to be trending lately. Upon reading it, I now understand the need for highland romance. Though short, this story has a decent plot and steamy scenes that may require the reader to fan themselves after.
+Let's get the dirty bits out of the way- I enjoyed the way that the sex scenes were written. They were well written with a diverse vocabulary that made each scene unique, avoiding the monotony I sometimes feel while reading romances. They were steamy but not overly crass, nor overly glossed over.
+I liked the almost fairy tale like plot of beauty and the beast. I don't know if that's what the author intended, but that's most definitely what I compared it to. A beast like, strong, alpha male who cannot always control himself and claims a pretty girl as his own. A pretty girl who is stubborn at times and comes to his library in search of a book.
-At some parts, there were spelling errors in addition to grammatical ones. The main ones I found were fragmented sentences. Though there weren't many, it did make me reread parts now and then and generally cut away from the flow of an otherwise good story.
If you're a fan of quick steamy romance or strong men in kilts, than this is the book for you. If sex or violence aren't your kind of deal, then give this book a pass.
This review can also be found on my new blog, Bitches n Prose.
----
This short story was my first introduction to the "men in kilts" genre that seems to be trending lately. Upon reading it, I now understand the need for highland romance. Though short, this story has a decent plot and steamy scenes that may require the reader to fan themselves after.
+Let's get the dirty bits out of the way- I enjoyed the way that the sex scenes were written. They were well written with a diverse vocabulary that made each scene unique, avoiding the monotony I sometimes feel while reading romances. They were steamy but not overly crass, nor overly glossed over.
+I liked the almost fairy tale like plot of beauty and the beast. I don't know if that's what the author intended, but that's most definitely what I compared it to. A beast like, strong, alpha male who cannot always control himself and claims a pretty girl as his own. A pretty girl who is stubborn at times and comes to his library in search of a book.
-At some parts, there were spelling errors in addition to grammatical ones. The main ones I found were fragmented sentences. Though there weren't many, it did make me reread parts now and then and generally cut away from the flow of an otherwise good story.
If you're a fan of quick steamy romance or strong men in kilts, than this is the book for you. If sex or violence aren't your kind of deal, then give this book a pass.
This review can also be found on my new blog, Bitches n Prose.
July 2, 2012
There was a lot more dialogue in this book compared to the first, yet it lacked some the feeling you got between Roderick and Evelyn. Conner could speak, which didn’t necessarily work in his favor since he seemed to put his foot in it quite often! He didn’t quite know how to deal with Lindsey, but eventually he found his way. It was quite amusing to watch him mess up so badly. Despite his obvious lack of wooing skills you could still tell he cared about his mate. Lindsey was full of fire and sass, she certainly didn’t make it easy on Conner in the beginning. She could hold her own against the hulking brute of a man and didn’t let him trample all over her. It would have to take a strong woman to tame Conner and his berserker, and Lindsey certainly fits the bill. When Conner is taken, she risks her own life to save his. The passion between Conner and Lindsey is scorching, when their passion ignites you find that you have to fan yourself to bring down the heat these two generate. Man can Byrne write a love scene!
Overall, this is a steamy exciting read that I again wish there had been more of! I really hope that Kerrigan Byrne continues on this series and this path she has taken and continues to write; however, I hope any future tales are longer! I have come to appreciate a well written novella, such as these, but these tales make me yearn for MORE! They have so much potential and have so much room for more development. You will not regret picking up this book and really this series.
Overall, this is a steamy exciting read that I again wish there had been more of! I really hope that Kerrigan Byrne continues on this series and this path she has taken and continues to write; however, I hope any future tales are longer! I have come to appreciate a well written novella, such as these, but these tales make me yearn for MORE! They have so much potential and have so much room for more development. You will not regret picking up this book and really this series.
July 15, 2012
After reading the first novella, Unspoken, I could not wait for Unwilling. The author had told me this book was different from Unspoken, a little less erotic and a little more fighting. Even with those changes, I loved this book as much as the first. And if I had to choose a favorite, I would choose this one. Maybe it’s because I just finished it, I don’t know, but I do know I enjoyed the story she told.
This book definitely got in with the action. Immediately you’re hooked with the fighting and capture of Lindsay. The pages turned quickly, especially after you meet up with Evelyn and Roderick from book one. I enjoyed these characters appearances and Evelyn again made me laugh. Lindsay was lucky to have Evelyn help her through the beginning and helped her to see what she was faced against.
Now even with the book being a little less erotic and a little more fighting, it did not change the fact that the author can tell a story. As I was reading, I couldn’t help but think of the similarities between this little series and Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. So if you’re not sure if you would like that time period, setting, and type of characters, give this little series a try.
This book definitely got in with the action. Immediately you’re hooked with the fighting and capture of Lindsay. The pages turned quickly, especially after you meet up with Evelyn and Roderick from book one. I enjoyed these characters appearances and Evelyn again made me laugh. Lindsay was lucky to have Evelyn help her through the beginning and helped her to see what she was faced against.
Now even with the book being a little less erotic and a little more fighting, it did not change the fact that the author can tell a story. As I was reading, I couldn’t help but think of the similarities between this little series and Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. So if you’re not sure if you would like that time period, setting, and type of characters, give this little series a try.
August 14, 2015
Connor the Laird of the MacLaughlans has been hired to take care of the traitor of the McKays.
Lindsay Ross has been promised to the traitor Angus McKay and she is not happy about it. In the end she has no choice. She really annoyed me but I think it was more to the fact that she was so relgious but that is my own personal problem.
While travelling to her betrothed. Her and her guards from the McKays are attacked by Connor and so the fun begins. Of course there is the HEA that everyone is waiting for.
I really enjoyed this and I know that there was more dialogue but the first one is my favorite.
Lindsay Ross has been promised to the traitor Angus McKay and she is not happy about it. In the end she has no choice. She really annoyed me but I think it was more to the fact that she was so relgious but that is my own personal problem.
While travelling to her betrothed. Her and her guards from the McKays are attacked by Connor and so the fun begins. Of course there is the HEA that everyone is waiting for.
I really enjoyed this and I know that there was more dialogue but the first one is my favorite.
April 18, 2023
STATS
Genre: paranormal historical romance
Setting: the Scottish Highlands, autumn, 1411 (Medieval era)
Format: Audible audiobook (The Complete Highland Magic Collection), narrated by Derek Perkins.
Book Length: 113 pages (Kindle)
Sexual Content: high steam, 2🔥🔥.
Genre: paranormal historical romance
Setting: the Scottish Highlands, autumn, 1411 (Medieval era)
Format: Audible audiobook (The Complete Highland Magic Collection), narrated by Derek Perkins.
Book Length: 113 pages (Kindle)
Sexual Content: high steam, 2🔥🔥.
October 22, 2012
This had beautifully descriptive scenes - personally loved the carriage attack descriptions (the mist and the smells and sounds of the fight). This also has some of the hottest carriage sexy times I've read.
Now, I did have a bit of a hard time with the heroine and liking her. The story also dragged for me in certain areas and were too rushed in others. The whole rescue of the Hero was a bit - I don't know - unfulfilling for me.
It was an okay read.
Now, I did have a bit of a hard time with the heroine and liking her. The story also dragged for me in certain areas and were too rushed in others. The whole rescue of the Hero was a bit - I don't know - unfulfilling for me.
It was an okay read.
November 26, 2012
This novella felt as though it had been written simply to bridge the gap between the first and last stories in this series. I couldn't like either of the main characters and neither was developed enough to get any real insight into who they were. There was more dialogue and less sex in this novella but it lacked character depth and emotion.
December 2, 2022
This series is turning into such a great change of pace. I love the storytelling, the characters and the short length of each book. It's a great series to read when everything else in life is getting demanding and busy.
This series focuses quite a bit on the relationship between the H and h but also builds on the overall story and characters from the previous books. It's been a pleasure to read.
This series focuses quite a bit on the relationship between the H and h but also builds on the overall story and characters from the previous books. It's been a pleasure to read.
September 7, 2025
These are fun, i forgot i like how melodramatic Bryne’s writing feels but this loses points because it starts in 1411 Scotland and the hero and heroine meet in a “coach” when coaches weren’t a thing I believe until the late 1500s (??) or 1600s. I think she would’ve been in a litter, riding a horse or riding pillion. I know that’s annoying and nerdy but that’s like a very easy basic thing to research.
December 26, 2020
This series is quick but good read. The books are so short, you really can’t get too invested. But they’re a fun read.
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March 21, 2013
My review contains spoilers and they're are mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
Ah, yes! Another winner from Kerrigan! Unwilling is the second installment in Highland Historical series with another sexy berserker hero and a spirited heroine. What can I say? Loved it? Well, of course I did! Connor was my dream come true berserker with a name that never fails to make me w... erm, uh, shiver. *heehee*
Connor is the laird of the MacLauchlans, and elder brother to Roderick, hero of Unspoken (book 1). Whereas we find that Roderick is the less serious of the brothers, being the laird and taking responsibilities from a very young again, Connor is the grumpy one. He doesn’t want to get married or find his mate at the moment, but when his beast decides, he has no choice but to bow down. He was supposed to kill the woman but instead his beast had to go and claim her as his mate!
Bloody mess (literally)!!
Lindsay’s father was the former regent of Scotland. After his death, her uncle has become the current regent and now forcing her to marry the dubious Mackay laird for some betrothal contact. Lindsay is a beauty and could’ve married anyone of her choosing but because she has ‘aged’, now she has to do what her uncle is commanding her. It goes without saying that Lindsay doesn’t want to marry this shady guy but she’s helpless. Her journey has, so far, been wretched and it got worse when they neared the Mackay lands. When she was dreading about what’s going to happen next, her carriage is attacked by an unseen force.
Like Roderick, Connor sometimes works as a hired mercenary too. The youngest son of the Mackay clan is worried about what his elder (and evil laird) twin would do now that their father is dead by Roderick’s hands (story in book 1). His brother’s betrothed is supposed to be coming that day, and the younger Mackay wants to stop it. Connor decides to help since the man’s reasoning was sound. A little sight of blood is all it takes to make his beast rear its head. Connor goes into a fury of blood lust to destroy the shady Mackay soldiers who were escorting the carriage. This scene was done really well IMO. But what I indefinitely adored was the scene where Connor’s beast recognizes Lindsay as his mate. That was just... *oooooh shivers*
After this, Connor was no way leaving Lindsay there. In fact, he’s not letting Lindsay go, ever. But Lindsay doesn’t know most of what’s going on in his head. She’s pissed as hell. She doesn’t even believe in berserkers for crying out loud! But when she realizes this brute force (albeit sexy) of a man is taking her to his home to make her his bride, she’s plain mad. Lindsay decides she’d need a plan to get away from another forced marriage. As they reach Connor’s home, Lindsay is welcomed by Evelyn, Roderick’s wife. It was fun to see both brothers together and how they are ruled by Evelyn. Lindsay loves watching them. She adores the bond Roderick and Evelyn so obviously share, which makes her wistful. Then she remembers Connor’s weird claims about her being his ‘mate’ and so on, and she hovers in and out of indecisions.
I did find this part a little frustrating. Even knowing that Lindsay’s reasoning was justified, I felt for Connor. The poor babe! He was the most vulnerable party here. If Lindsay denies him, he’s done for life! Nevertheless, I was totally enjoying Lindsay and Connor’s banters. She was pretty sure she’d use the knowledge that she can somehow control Connor being his mate, and make an escape with it. But somewhere deep inside, Lindsay knew that she can’t do that to him. I was glad that this push and pull didn’t go on for a long time and Lindsay does give into Connor in a very sexy scene...
Must say, I really enjoyed the ending. I especially loved that scene which showed us how as a mate, Lindsay could tame (literally) Connor’s beast with a ‘no’ and a few soothing words. SO sexy! Again, I wish that I had a few more chapters to read because I didn’t want the story to finish so soon. Highly recommended from me. 4.25 stars. Not sure who is getting the next book, Unwanted but gonna find out soon!
Ah, yes! Another winner from Kerrigan! Unwilling is the second installment in Highland Historical series with another sexy berserker hero and a spirited heroine. What can I say? Loved it? Well, of course I did! Connor was my dream come true berserker with a name that never fails to make me w... erm, uh, shiver. *heehee*
Connor is the laird of the MacLauchlans, and elder brother to Roderick, hero of Unspoken (book 1). Whereas we find that Roderick is the less serious of the brothers, being the laird and taking responsibilities from a very young again, Connor is the grumpy one. He doesn’t want to get married or find his mate at the moment, but when his beast decides, he has no choice but to bow down. He was supposed to kill the woman but instead his beast had to go and claim her as his mate!
Bloody mess (literally)!!
Lindsay’s father was the former regent of Scotland. After his death, her uncle has become the current regent and now forcing her to marry the dubious Mackay laird for some betrothal contact. Lindsay is a beauty and could’ve married anyone of her choosing but because she has ‘aged’, now she has to do what her uncle is commanding her. It goes without saying that Lindsay doesn’t want to marry this shady guy but she’s helpless. Her journey has, so far, been wretched and it got worse when they neared the Mackay lands. When she was dreading about what’s going to happen next, her carriage is attacked by an unseen force.
Like Roderick, Connor sometimes works as a hired mercenary too. The youngest son of the Mackay clan is worried about what his elder (and evil laird) twin would do now that their father is dead by Roderick’s hands (story in book 1). His brother’s betrothed is supposed to be coming that day, and the younger Mackay wants to stop it. Connor decides to help since the man’s reasoning was sound. A little sight of blood is all it takes to make his beast rear its head. Connor goes into a fury of blood lust to destroy the shady Mackay soldiers who were escorting the carriage. This scene was done really well IMO. But what I indefinitely adored was the scene where Connor’s beast recognizes Lindsay as his mate. That was just... *oooooh shivers*
After this, Connor was no way leaving Lindsay there. In fact, he’s not letting Lindsay go, ever. But Lindsay doesn’t know most of what’s going on in his head. She’s pissed as hell. She doesn’t even believe in berserkers for crying out loud! But when she realizes this brute force (albeit sexy) of a man is taking her to his home to make her his bride, she’s plain mad. Lindsay decides she’d need a plan to get away from another forced marriage. As they reach Connor’s home, Lindsay is welcomed by Evelyn, Roderick’s wife. It was fun to see both brothers together and how they are ruled by Evelyn. Lindsay loves watching them. She adores the bond Roderick and Evelyn so obviously share, which makes her wistful. Then she remembers Connor’s weird claims about her being his ‘mate’ and so on, and she hovers in and out of indecisions.
I did find this part a little frustrating. Even knowing that Lindsay’s reasoning was justified, I felt for Connor. The poor babe! He was the most vulnerable party here. If Lindsay denies him, he’s done for life! Nevertheless, I was totally enjoying Lindsay and Connor’s banters. She was pretty sure she’d use the knowledge that she can somehow control Connor being his mate, and make an escape with it. But somewhere deep inside, Lindsay knew that she can’t do that to him. I was glad that this push and pull didn’t go on for a long time and Lindsay does give into Connor in a very sexy scene...
Must say, I really enjoyed the ending. I especially loved that scene which showed us how as a mate, Lindsay could tame (literally) Connor’s beast with a ‘no’ and a few soothing words. SO sexy! Again, I wish that I had a few more chapters to read because I didn’t want the story to finish so soon. Highly recommended from me. 4.25 stars. Not sure who is getting the next book, Unwanted but gonna find out soon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2017
I read this book once before but had to re-read to review it. I have a much better appreciation for it this time around than I did with the first. I don't remember why I deleted it but I'm glad I read it again. I loved it just as much as the first and think that people aren't appreciating this book for what it is. Again, this is a novella people. Short and sweet. That's it. I personally think the author accomplished what she wanted to get across to the reader and probably enjoyed it a tiny tiny bit more than the first book because the focus on this story was more on the characters themselves than a big battle.
I loved Lindsay!!! I don't understand why people didn't appreciate her more. When a woman gives in at the drop of a hat, she's considered a spineless heroine, but if she stands her ground she's a selfish witch. There's no winning with you guys, no middle ground, and that's a shame. Tough crowd. Let me put it like this. We as readers know the background of the story, we know Connor is a good guy, Lindsay doesn't!!! She's being forced from one scary man to another and she's supposed to be cool with that. Sorry if I'm mistaken, but this is a completely realistic depiction of what a girl being abducted is supposed to feel like. She's just seen him kill what, 20 men, on his own, yeah I'd be pretty freaked out too. Sure she can escape from one man she's afraid of and doesn't want, but who's to say Connor isn't 10x worse and he's a skilled killer. All she sees is this man who's just killed a group of people taking her captive and saying she's going to marry him. In what world is she supposed to be ok and accept this without putting up a fight? One more time, to make it clear, LINDSAY, DOES NOT, KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON. So how can people fault her for trying to keep her guard up and showing disdain for Connor taking her with him against her will??? I feel she was rightly justified in her behavior and she didn't keep up the charade once she acknowledged her feelings and opened herself up to him. She gave in and let it happen like a respectable woman who knew when to stop the punishment. I find her admirable and endearing.
As for Connor, he started off a jerk but by the end I felt he completely changed and understood Lindsay's initial hostility towards him. He wasn't the brightest but I felt he was worthy in the end. I think Kerrigan did a great job in transitioning their feelings from his controlling nature and her resentment to love and compassion on both sides. For a short story, this was done very well. Considering this isn't a spin off or in between novella to another series, she did an amazing job for a group of novellas that is the full series itself and I believe in the first and this story completely.
I loved Lindsay!!! I don't understand why people didn't appreciate her more. When a woman gives in at the drop of a hat, she's considered a spineless heroine, but if she stands her ground she's a selfish witch. There's no winning with you guys, no middle ground, and that's a shame. Tough crowd. Let me put it like this. We as readers know the background of the story, we know Connor is a good guy, Lindsay doesn't!!! She's being forced from one scary man to another and she's supposed to be cool with that. Sorry if I'm mistaken, but this is a completely realistic depiction of what a girl being abducted is supposed to feel like. She's just seen him kill what, 20 men, on his own, yeah I'd be pretty freaked out too. Sure she can escape from one man she's afraid of and doesn't want, but who's to say Connor isn't 10x worse and he's a skilled killer. All she sees is this man who's just killed a group of people taking her captive and saying she's going to marry him. In what world is she supposed to be ok and accept this without putting up a fight? One more time, to make it clear, LINDSAY, DOES NOT, KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON. So how can people fault her for trying to keep her guard up and showing disdain for Connor taking her with him against her will??? I feel she was rightly justified in her behavior and she didn't keep up the charade once she acknowledged her feelings and opened herself up to him. She gave in and let it happen like a respectable woman who knew when to stop the punishment. I find her admirable and endearing.
As for Connor, he started off a jerk but by the end I felt he completely changed and understood Lindsay's initial hostility towards him. He wasn't the brightest but I felt he was worthy in the end. I think Kerrigan did a great job in transitioning their feelings from his controlling nature and her resentment to love and compassion on both sides. For a short story, this was done very well. Considering this isn't a spin off or in between novella to another series, she did an amazing job for a group of novellas that is the full series itself and I believe in the first and this story completely.
November 10, 2024
I wanted to love this but unfortunately Lindsey annoyed the HECK out of me!!
I get what the author was going for, a beautiful and headstrong woman to match the hero's reserved and strong personality but IMO it did not work. She just came across as argumentative, childish, whiny and constantly flew off the handle about everything.
You'd think she'd be a little grateful / relieved that Conner saved her from having to marry a ruthless murdering old man her father sold her off to, but NOPE *anything* is better to her that being wooed by a huge virile highlander who is devoted only to you and a Laird to boot.
SUCH an unlikable character. ALSO, the pacing on this one felt weird, we got one small taste of smut and the rest was whiny Lindsey and fighting and then all the way at the end some decent smut.
I get what the author was going for, a beautiful and headstrong woman to match the hero's reserved and strong personality but IMO it did not work. She just came across as argumentative, childish, whiny and constantly flew off the handle about everything.
You'd think she'd be a little grateful / relieved that Conner saved her from having to marry a ruthless murdering old man her father sold her off to, but NOPE *anything* is better to her that being wooed by a huge virile highlander who is devoted only to you and a Laird to boot.
SUCH an unlikable character. ALSO, the pacing on this one felt weird, we got one small taste of smut and the rest was whiny Lindsey and fighting and then all the way at the end some decent smut.
July 18, 2012
In the past people believed in myths as reality so Laird Connor MacLauchlan is a Berserker and there is magic in Scotland before modern times. He is out to kill a terrible lord that is plaguing the countryside and happens to be betrothed to Lady Lindsay Ross the niece to the Regent of Scotland. Conner meets her in the midst of a killing rage and immediately acknowledges her as his mate.
This is a cute story and I really liked that Lindsay gets to choose when to accept Conner as a mate/husband and not the alpha male.
98 pages and kindle freebie short story
2 stars
This is a cute story and I really liked that Lindsay gets to choose when to accept Conner as a mate/husband and not the alpha male.
98 pages and kindle freebie short story
2 stars
March 15, 2019
3 1/2 - 4 stars
I enjoyed this novella and the dynamics between Connor and Lindsay. I found it was well-written and entertaining. I must admit that I stumbled momentarily during the otherwise hot love scene because the womb touching deal threw me just a bit off course (You really, REALLY don't want a lover to go that far...) but aside from that I'm really liking the Berserker storylines and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I enjoyed this novella and the dynamics between Connor and Lindsay. I found it was well-written and entertaining. I must admit that I stumbled momentarily during the otherwise hot love scene because the womb touching deal threw me just a bit off course (You really, REALLY don't want a lover to go that far...) but aside from that I'm really liking the Berserker storylines and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
December 21, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the "Highland Historical series" by Kerrigan Byrnes.
Again it was a very short Novella, but it was not at all rushed and the story was well-written. I found it very sensual with lots of action and cannot wait for the next book in this series!
Again, I found this to very expensive for only 60 pages.
May 12, 2015
Connor...YUM!
LOVE his character and well, everything else about him. The heroine is ok, not great, not horrible. But she added something to this story that other Highland stories don't have. She made it different and more interesting.
I look forward to more from this author. Actually, I'm going to look into the next book of the series right now...
LOVE his character and well, everything else about him. The heroine is ok, not great, not horrible. But she added something to this story that other Highland stories don't have. She made it different and more interesting.
I look forward to more from this author. Actually, I'm going to look into the next book of the series right now...
June 25, 2012
I picked this up free on Amazon and really enjoyed. I plan on reading the first book in the series soon.
June 25, 2012
Really good! I only wish it would have been longer!
October 3, 2012
It's a real pity that these books are so short. I would have liked to know more about everything.
July 7, 2012
too short! what next?
February 5, 2013
Thoroughly enjoying reading these stories. Kerrigan Byrne is a fantastic author!
April 24, 2013
Who forgot to point these books out to me? I'm holding you responsible for me falling across them and devouring.
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